Forget his difficulties in the semi-final – Ronray Spirit is still a strong chance for this Saturday’s thrilling Group 1 Golden Easter Egg (520m) decider.
That is the verdict from trainer Terry Reid ahead of the hugely anticipated $250,000-to-the-winner final, which will feature eight of Australia’s top greyhounds.
After a superb winning run in his heat the previous week, Ronray Spirit (pictured) was 10 lengths behind winner Dyna Double One in last Saturday night’s semi-final while finishing runner-up.
Ronray Spirit will jump from box seven in the decider and Reid believes his charge has earned his chance at the title.
“I thought he did a good job to qualify,” the trainer said. “He was turned sideways at the start and hit a lot of trouble.
“It was a workman-like performance to get through (and) I’m not worried about being ten lengths back.
“He can compete at this level and he’s got a chance.”
The series was Ronray Spirit’s first look at Wentworth Park but he has adapted well, producing a terrific 29.65 heat run.
He has a super record when drawn wide and should have the speed to lead early.
Reid believes Dawkins Bale (box one) and Fernando Bale, who drew box eight after his scorching 29.34 win in the semi-finals and will likely start favourite, are the biggest threats.
“I would have preferred to be on the inside,” he said. “Fernando Bale is likely to cut across him from the eight, so that’s not good.
“I still think Ronray Spirit can run a good race. He is looking good and all the preparation so far has gone like clockwork.
“Would my 20 bucks be on him? I would certainly have ten each way.”
Reid, whose father Peter is a Queensland Hall of Famer, is having the time of his training life with Ronray Spirit.
The son of Cosmic Rumble x Ronray Disco has 15 wins from 26 starts and earned Reid his biggest title earlier this year with success in the Group 2 Warragul Cup.
He is one of only four greyhounds on the books of 64-year-old Reid, who works out of the tiny Victorian base of Yuroke.
“I race against the bigger trainers all the time so that doesn’t worry me,” he said.
“I’m not getting nervous – I’m just going to enjoy the experience of a race like this.”
Zipping Midge, Over Limit, Dyna Nico and Recruitment complete the eight finalists.
The race headlines the conclusion of the $1m Golden Easter Egg series, Australia’s most lucrative racing series.
Six titles will be up for grabs on what is always a sensational night’s racing.
For Wentworth Park Saturday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
Golden Easter Egg box draw (Sportsbet Fixed Odds prices in brackets): 1. Dawkins Bale ($4.60) 2. Zipping Midge ($21) 3. Over Limit ($4.40) 4. Dyna Double One ($10) 5. Dyna Nico ($7.50) 6. Recruitment ($16) 7. Ronray Spirit ($18) 8. Fernando Bale ($2.10).
